rule changes

NOTE FROM BILLY MARTIN, NJSIAA STATE BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETER

NJSIAA Basketball Officials,

Please read the following memo regarding an updated interpretation from NFHS and IAABO:

Substitution Confusion (10.4.2B, IAABO Plays 16-10-4, 19-3-8)

The NFHS has approved a change to a long-standing interpretation for when a player who is on the bench should be on the court after a “lengthy” substitution process. 

Previously, when a team had only four players on the court, it was legal for a coach to direct a player (who was mistakenly in the bench area) to directly enter the court without penalty as long as the player did not gain an advantage.

Beginning this season, if a player in this situation enters the court directly, the TEAM will be charged with a TECHNICAL FOUL for failing to have all players return to the court at approximately the same time.

This change is accurately reflected in NFHS Case Book Play 10.4.2B on page 83 as well as in the IAABO Rules Guide Play 19-3-8 on pages 236-237.  This was also accurately reflected in the IAABO Game Simulator too.

Unfortunately, this play was also located in the IAABO Rules Guide at Play 16-10-4, and the ruling on this is incorrect. 
 
**IAABO Rule Guide, Page 214 Play 16-10–4
This play is slated to be deleted in next year’s IAABO Rules Guide.  Please DO NOT use this ruling on p 214 going forward. 

As always, reach out to your local chapter Rules Interpreter if you have any questions on this play or any others.

I hope this helps in your preparation for the year.

Yours in Officiating,
Billy Martin
NJSIAA State Basketball Rules Interpreter

A trio of changes to address when goaltending and basket interference are called are among the changes to high school basketball rules for the 2025-26 season.

These revisions to the NFHS Basketball Rules Book are among the six changes recommended by the Basketball Rules Committee during its April 28-30 meeting in Indianapolis – all of which were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.